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is undefended, but, in view of the relative strengths of the British and French naval forces in the Indian Ocean, it is comparatively safe from attack.
"4. Cable communications enter alike into naval and military considerations. The East Coast route to the Cape goes into Zanzibar, and the sole communication to the defended coaling station of Mauritius also passes through that station. If Zanzibar were neutralised, interruption of communication by the destruction of the cable landing-places there would not be possible. On the other hand, the strategic use of the cable there might reasonably be considered as a breach of neutrality.
5. Looking to the above facts, it seems clear to the Committee that the advantage of the observance of neutrality with respect to British and French Protectorates within the Free Trade Zone would lie with France and not with Great Britain. The Committee are, therefore, unanimously of opinion that, from the point of view of military and naval exigencies, it would not be desirable to place the Protectorates of East Africa and Zanzibar, during a war with France, under the rule of neutrality."
The Committee adhere to the views expressed above, and they are of opinion that in a war with Germany the advantage of the observance of neutrality with respect to the Protectorates in the Free Trade Zone would similarly lie with Germany and not with Great Britain.
J. R. CHANCELLOR, Secretary,
(Signed)
January 24, 1911.
Į
Colonial Defence Committee.
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